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May is Mental Health Month
We realize that during this time of social seperateness mental health and wellness is something that has become a vital part of conversation in almost every home and every relationship.
So many community members are passionate about spreading the word that MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. In order to assist in that there are two toolkits available. These toolkits include language for articles, social media posts and wellness activities.
This year’s theme for the 2020 Each Mind Matters Toolkit is: “Express Yourself.” The online activation kit includes many activities that can be done virtually or from home! In addition, free access to the Mental Health America toolkit can be found by clicking here.
When you use any of these social media tools please make sure to tag @tricitymhs Thank you for being a mental health ambassador and helping spread the word that Mental Health Matters.
Stigma is the Great Silencer
Every day men, women and children, who are suffering from Mental Health challenges, go to great lengths to keep that a secret from others. Fear of what people will say about them keeps them silent. Fear of what people will think of them, and in some cases fear of what people may do to them reinforce the feeling that they are alone and there is no hope.
Stigma Keeps People Isolated
Room4Everyone is a mental wellbeing campaign that encourages compassion and acceptance. As people we are different, but as a community it is critical that there be room for everyone despite those differences.
Its Time To Talk About It
The fact that in any given year One-in-Four Americans meets the criteria for a diagnosable mental illness means that we all know someone who may need our support. It could be a co-worker, classmate, friend, or family member. One-in-Four means it very well could be one of us. When someone we care for is experiencing a mental health condition, multiple people are affected. For this reason when we talk about mental illness, we are not merely talking to the One-in-Four. It is critical that four out of four people be engaged in this open conversation.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: People with Mental Health problems are dangerous and should be avoided.
Fact: The vast majority of people with Mental Health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are 12 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
Myth: People with Mental Health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: People with Mental Health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with Mental Health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.
Myth: There is no hope for people with Mental Health problems. Once a person develops Mental Health problems, he or she will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that people with Mental Health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.
Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a Mental Health problem.
Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 38% of adults with diagnosable Mental Health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:
- Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
- Assisting with access to mental health services
- Learning and sharing the facts about Mental Health (especially if you hear something that isn't true)
- Treating others the way you would want them to treat you
https://www.eachmindmatters.org/may2019/